In a dazzling celebration of athletic excellence at the 2025 ESPY Awards, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, clinched the Best Tennis Player award for the second consecutive year, a victory that caught her by surprise and ignited heartfelt celebrations from her family. The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, alive with the energy of sports’ biggest stars on July 16, 2025, became the stage for Gauff’s latest milestone, a testament to her meteoric rise and resilience. Her mother, Candi Gauff, joined the chorus of admiration, sharing a touching message of love that underscored the deep bond fueling Coco’s journey to greatness.
Gauff’s reaction to the win was pure elation, as she took to social media to share her disbelief and gratitude. “Woke up to finding out I won another espy!! ahhhh thank youuuu,” she posted on X, her words brimming with excitement as she shared a screenshot of herself hoisting the French Open trophy. The image, reposted on her Instagram story, captured the joy of a season defined by her second Grand Slam singles title at Roland Garros in 2025, where she outlasted Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final. Candi, ever the proud mother, amplified the moment by resharing Coco’s post on her own Instagram story, adding a simple yet powerful “Congratulations” with heart emojis, a gesture that resonated with fans who admire their close-knit relationship.
The ESPY win capped a remarkable 12 months for Gauff, who has solidified her status as a global tennis icon. Her 2025 season began with a commanding performance at the United Cup, where she went undefeated and defeated World No. 2 Iga Swiatek to lead Team USA to victory. She carried that momentum to the French Open, securing her second major singles title and her first in doubles alongside Katerina Siniakova, becoming the youngest player since Kim Clijsters in 2005 to hold Grand Slam titles in both disciplines. Despite a shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon to Dayana Yastremska, Gauff’s overall record of 31-10, including deep runs in Madrid and Rome, showcased her consistency. “I’m trying to be positive,” she said after the Wimbledon loss, reflecting on her French Open success. “I definitely was struggling in the locker room, but my team reminded me, ‘You did well at Roland Garros, don’t be so upset.’”
The ESPY award, voted on by fans, placed Gauff above formidable nominees like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Sabalenka, sparking debate among some who questioned the choice given Sinner’s three Grand Slam titles since the 2024 ESPYs. Yet, Gauff’s French Open triumph, WTA Finals victory in 2024, and cultural impact—evident in her Miu Miu and New Balance collaboration—made her a standout. Her 2023 US Open win at age 19, the first teenager to claim the title since Serena Williams in 1999, and her 2024 WTA Finals crown, where she became the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004, cemented her as a trailblazer.
Candi’s support has been a constant in Coco’s career, from her breakout at Wimbledon 2019, where she stunned Venus Williams at 15, to her recent red-carpet appearance at the 2025 Oscars alongside her mother. A former track-and-field athlete at Florida State University, Candi has been a fixture in Coco’s player box, offering encouragement through triumphs and setbacks. “She’s my biggest fan for sure,” Coco said after her 2024 China Open win, highlighting Candi’s role in easing the pressures of the tour. Their bond, often showcased through heartfelt social media exchanges, extends to the entire Gauff family, with Candi recently celebrating her son Codey’s baseball achievements and Coco’s investment in the Unrivaled women’s 3v3 basketball league, fulfilling her father Corey’s basketball dreams.
Gauff’s ESPY win also highlighted her growing influence off the court. Her fashion choices, from neon outfits at the Australian Open to her vibrant Paris look before Roland Garros, have drawn praise, with Candi often resharing Coco’s stylish posts. At the ESPYs, hosted by comedian Shane Gillis, Gauff’s recognition alongside stars like Simone Biles and Saquon Barkley underscored her crossover appeal. As she prepares for the US Open, where she aims to reclaim her 2023 title, Gauff carries the weight of expectations but also the unwavering support of her family. “I have the belief that I can win,” she said before the Australian Open, a mindset that, paired with Candi’s love, positions her to chase even greater heights in a career already sparkling with promise.
Leave a Reply